Population 50.5 mln.
Area 603.7 thousand sq. km
Neighboring countries: Russia,Belarus,Poland,Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Moldova
Capital: Kyiv (2.6 mln)
State language: Ukrainian
State currency: HryvnyaPopulation 50.5 mln.

To enter Ukraine, a visa is needed for all non-Ukrainian citizens except the CIS citizens and persons with diplomatic or special passports of the countries that have appropriate agreements with Ukraine.
      The best and cheapest way to obtain a visa is through the Ukrainian consulate or embassy in your country prior to departure. To extend your visa, contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (tel: 293-44-88)
      Entering or leaving Ukraine, you may proceed either through Green or Red custom corridor. Save all documents you receive and fill out going through customs - you will need these to leave the country.

Red corridor - for people carrying goods or cash that must be declared:

any prohibited items (explosives and weapons (except gas and hunting weapons officially approved by Ukrainian authorities), drugs, artwork and antiques, luggage sent separately)

more than $1 000 and 85 hryvnyas in cash

Post Office
Post offices are located all around the city. The Central Post Office is at 22 Khreschatyk vul. Here you can buy stamps, post cards, use fax machines and make international calls.

Phones
For calls in Kyiv, public telephones located all over the city require phone cards, which you can buy at every post office. Long distance phone services in Ukraine are operated by Utel (Ukrainian Telecommunications). The rates for calls to Europe are about $0.60-1.50 per minute. Calls to the United States are about $2.00 per minute.

MONEY

Cash
The Ukrainian national currency is the hryvnya. It is preferable to bring either US dollars or German Marks with you. These can be exchanged at exchange points around the city. Make sure your foreign currency bills are crisp and new looking. Rumpled, torn and written-on bills are usually not accepted. Avoid changing money with private individuals.

Credit
Personal checks practically do not exist in Ukraine, but many places in Kyiv accept major credit cards. Traveler's cheques can be cashed in a number of banks. However, do not rely solely on credit cards on traveler's cheques. Cash is preferred.

SAFETY

Crime
Crime is low in Ukraine compared to Western rates. Still, beware of walking alone late at night and flashing a lot of money.

Water
It is recommended that you boil tap water 10 minutes before drinking it, for it sometimes contains bacteria. Bottled water is easy to find in supermarkets. Be forewarned that the water supply, especially hot, can be irregular.

Radiation
Radiation levels in Kyiv and most of Ukraine are considered safe and normal by the U.S. Embassy and other official bodies.

Electricity
The standard electric voltage in Ukraine is 220 volts. If you bring electric appliances, make sure to take a plug adapter and a surge protector.

HOLIDAYS

April 7 Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin April 23 Palm Sunday April 30 Easter May 1 Spring day May 9 Victory day June 18 Holy Trinity June 28 Constitution day